A national organization has published the stories of three women in an effort to inspire more women to be concerned about heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death in American women.

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease submitted stories to US News and World Report for publication that highlighted the plight of women suffering from heart disease.

Among them was 33-year-old Natasha Fleischman, a teacher and mother of two who said she exercised regularly and considered herself to be in good shape, according to the article. However, during a teachers’ meeting, Fleischman’s heart stopped and only started beating again after it was defibrillated five times.

"I want to meet women with heart disease and educate them. I feel this is part of the reason I’m here," Fleischman said.

Another story involved 41-year-old Rhonda Monroe, who has had three heart attacks and eight surgeries, but retains a resilient attitude, states the news provider.

"I got lemons. I’m making lemonade," Monroe said.

Some women, in an effort to improve their heart health, have turned to nutritional supplements and improved their whole food nutrition.